Course Delivery:
The BAHCS is delivered on a modular (course) basis. A total of 180 credits is required to complete the BAHCS NFQ Level 7 (Ordinary) degree. This comprises 14 modules each of 10 credit weighting and 8 modules of 5 credits weighting.

Some students may be eligible for module exemptions where they have already completed equivalent coursework to a similar standard, evidenced via RPL: Record of Prior Learning. (An administration fee of €100 per module exemption sought, applies).

Students who opt for and successfully complete a further 60 credits at Level 8 (i.e., who complete a total of 24 x 10 credit modules) will be awarded a BAHCS Level 8 (Honours) Degree.

Entry Criteria:
Admission to this programme is made through the CAO system. The minimum entry requirement is grade C3 in two Higher Level subjects and at least a grade D3 in four Ordinary Level subjects. These subjects must include Mathematics and English.

GSCE
A minimum of 4 GSCE passes at grade C, to include Mathematics and English, plus two A level passes at grade C or higher.

BTEC
A BTEC National Diploma with a minimum of four distinctions.

FET Applicants
Minimum entry requirements for graduates of FET awards is a full FET major award in a cognate area at Level 5 or 6 which includes a distinction grade in at least three modules.

A full FET major award normally consists of eight modules

Fees:
The fee for the BAHCS is €3000.00 per annum.

In the event that course fees are being sponsored on behalf of a student (e.g., by an employer) appropriate payment arrangements need to be complete prior to course commencement.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 1st February 2015

Admission to this programme is made through the CAO system link here.
For further information please contact:

This Certificate in Community Studies is a NFQ level 6 (30 credit) Special Purpose Award. It is designed to explore concepts of community and community development within a social analysis framework. It will introduce learners to key technical and analytical skills that support and encourage participation within a community setting.

This course is suitable for anyone who is,

Working in a community setting, housing authority or NGO (paid or voluntary) who would like to broaden their understanding of community.

Hoping to become more involved in their community and looking to learn more about how this can be achieved.

Interested in the social structures that shape community living.

By the end of the course successful participants will have,

Explored concepts of community and community development.

An increased their understanding of theories and concepts that shape modern society.

Developed their capacity in group work and facilitation.

Gained a range of other skills required when engaging with communities.

Obtained 30 credits at NFQ Level 6. These credits may potentially be used in applying for exemptions on other similar courses at Certificate and Degree level (e.g. BA in Housing and Community Studies delivered by Respond! College and validated by QQI).

What are the modules?

Community studies (10 credits)

Group work and facilitation (10 credits)

Introduction to sociology (10 credits)

How will the course be delivered?The teaching methods employed will be experiential and participatory and will include group discussions, case study analysis, theoretical inputs and practical applications in a classroom setting.

Pay Fees Online

This (NFQ level 5) major award is designed to explore concepts of community and community development within a social analysis framework. It introduces learners to the key skills which support and encourage participation within local communities both vocationally and voluntarily. Its emphasis on work based practice ensures capacities are developed and enhanced in a way that combines theory and practice thereby offering employment possibilities in community based settings. This programme also functions to support the development of local leadership outside of paid employment and as part of wider societal contributions to active citizenship thereby enhancing participatory democracy.

This course is suitable for anyone who is,

Working in a community setting, housing authority or NGO (paid or voluntary) who would like to broaden their understanding of community.

Hoping to become more involved in their community and looking to learn more about how this can be achieved.

Interested in the social structures that shape community living.

By the end of the course successful participants will have,

Explored concepts of community and community development.

Increased their understanding of theories and concepts that shape modern society.

Developed their capacity in group work and facilitation.

Gained a range of other skills required when engaging with communities.

How will the course be delivered?The teaching methods employed will be experiential and participatory and will include group discussions, case study analysis, theoretical inputs and practical applications in a classroom setting.

Where will the course be delivered from?Venue and starting date to be confirmed.

This (NFQ Level 5) major award in health service skills sets out to enhance participant’s capacities in occupying a caring role, be this in a paid or voluntary capacity. It covers both practical and theoretical concepts of care particularly emphasising care in community and family settings. Its vocational emphasis presents possible employment opportunities to those not currently occupying caring positions, especially in areas such as care for older people and childcare facilities. Completion of the programme will ensure quality standards of care in line with relevant best practice benefitting the broader organisation.

This course is suitable for anyone who is,

May be caring for someone in their family or who may wish to enter into the caring profession.

By the end of the course successful participants will have,

Been introduced to a range of Health service skills exploring the different roles and responsibilities within these.

Explored concepts of health and healthcare within both a medical and social analysis frameworks.

Developed the skills required for quality care work in a range of settings.

Participated in a supervised placement experience in relevant healthcare settings.

The skills necessary to prevent accident, injury and infection to staff and residents within Respond! and to residents involved in care work within their homes.

How will the course be delivered?

The teaching methods employed will be experiential and participatory and will include group discussions, case study analysis, theoretical inputs and practical applications in a classroom setting.

Where will the course be delivered from?Venue and start date to be confirmed.

This (NFQ Level 5) major certificate in healthcare sets out to enhance participant’s capacities in occupying a caring role, be this in a paid or voluntary capacity. It covers both practical and theoretical concepts of care particularly emphasising care in community settings. Its vocational emphasis presents possible employment opportunities to those not currently occupying caring positions, particularly care for older people. Completion of the programme will ensure quality standards of care in line with relevant best practice benefitting the broader organisation.

This course is suitable for anyone who is,

May be caring for someone in their family or who may wish to enter into the caring profession.

By the end of the course successful participants will have,

Been introduced to a range of Health service skills exploring the different roles and responsibilities within these.

Explored concepts of health and healthcare within both a medical and social analysis frameworks.

Developed the skills required for quality care work in a range of settings.

Participated in a supervised placement experience in relevant healthcare settings.

The skills necessary to prevent accident, injury and infection to staff and residents within Respond! and to residents involved in care work within their homes.

How will the course be delivered?The teaching methods employed will be experiential and participatory and will include group discussions, case study analysis, theoretical inputs and practical applications in a classroom setting.

Where will the course be delivered from?Venue and start date to be confirmed.

This module broadly introduces learners to concepts of community and community development enabling an understanding of community and the contested nature of the concept. Learners will also be given a broad introduction to concepts of community development, looking at the history of the community development movement in Ireland and overseas. An introduction to principles and practices of community development will also be given.

This course is suitable for anyone who is,

Working in a community setting, housing authority or NGO (paid or voluntary) who would like to broaden their understanding of community development.

Interested in the history, principles and practice of community development.

Hoping to become more involved in their community and looking to learn more about how this can be achieved.

By the end of the course successful participants will have,

Examined the history of the community development movement in Ireland.

Explored concepts of community and community development.

Increased their understanding of theories and concepts of community development.

How will the course be delivered?The teaching methods employed will be experiential and participatory and will include group discussions, case study analysis, theoretical inputs and practical applications in a classroom setting.

Where will the course be delivered from?6 x 6 hour classes, 10am-4pm (or by arrangement to suit a group of 8 or more individuals)

Pay Fees Online

The aim of this module is to equip learners with the knowledge, skills and competencies of analysing social issues of inequality and locating them in an equality framework for change. Learners develop skills in applying social analysis tools in defining root causes of a problem and addressing the cause and effect of the issue. Learners will look at minority groups both within Ireland and worldwide, exploring terms of race, gender and class. This module will also look at the whole area of poverty in Ireland looking at structures to alleviate this and government intervention policy.

This course is suitable for anyone who is,

Working in a community setting, housing authority or NGO (paid or voluntary) who would like to broaden their understanding of community.

Hoping to become more involved in their community and looking to learn more about how this can be achieved.

By the end of the course successful participants will have,

Gained new insights into the social, cultural, economic and political issues and structures that shape life experience at a range of levels.

Clarified their own values and attitudes in relation to a variety of social issues e.g. race, gender, class, poverty, inequality and globalisation

Explored the role of social analysis in supporting community development or youth work to address issues of inequality

How will the course be delivered?
The teaching methods employed will be experiential and participatory and will include group discussions, case study analysis, theoretical inputs and practical applications in a classroom setting.

Where will the course be delivered from?
6 x 6 hour classes, 10am-4pm (or by arrangement to suit a group of 8 or more individuals)

Pay Fees Online

The aim of this module is to help the learner develop an understanding of the structure of the HSE and the role of the Family Support Worker within it by introducing learners to Irish Child and Family legislation. In addition it is hoped that Learners will be able to demonstrate an understanding of child development, family dynamics and the agents of change that influence the two. Throughout the module learners will develop a range of skills to enhance teamwork helping them to recognise the qualities of effective leadership and advocacy.

This course is suitable for anyone who is,

Working in a community setting, a crèche, a family resource centre or NGO (paid or voluntary) who would like to enhance their skills.

Hoping to become more involved in their community in a family support role.

By the end of the course successful participants will have,

An understanding of the structure of the HSE and the role of the Family Support Worker within it

Be familiar with child development, family dynamics and the agents of change that influence the two

Developed a range of skills to enhance teamwork

How will the course be delivered?The teaching methods employed will be experiential and participatory and will include group discussions, case study analysis, theoretical inputs and practical applications in a classroom setting.

Where will the course be delivered from?6 x 6 hour classes, 10am-4pm (or by arrangement to suit a group of 8 or more individuals)

Pay Fees Online

The aim of this module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to provide for the health and well-being of children and maintain healthy, hygienic and safe practices and environments in a range of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) settings. The learner will become familiar with relevant legislation and required policies and procedures when working with children, by looking at best practise and current national guidelines when providing for the health and well-being of children. The learner will develop an understanding of the importance of good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle for babies and young children and how this ties in with care routines and care environments.

This course is suitable for anyone who is,

Working in a community setting, a crèche, a family resource centre or NGO (paid or voluntary) who would like to enhance their skills.

Hoping to become more involved in their community in a child centred role.

By the end of the course successful participants will have,

Knowledge of the factors that contribute to the overall well-being of children

Be able to outline the various nutritional needs of babies and young children

An understanding of common childhood illnesses

Knowledge of appropriate policies and procedures to include record keeping as required by legislation and good practice guidelines

How will the course be delivered?The teaching methods employed will be experiential and participatory and will include group discussions, case study analysis, theoretical inputs and practical applications in a classroom setting.

Where will the course be delivered from?6 x 6 hour classes, 10am-4pm (or by arrangement to suit a group of 8 or more individuals)

Pay Fees Online

The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to understand and reflect on the nature of adolescence, the social situation of young people, the influence of youth culture and sub culture and to examine societal responses to their issues and concerns. The learner will grasp an understanding of the nature and unique experience of adolescence in contemporary society identifying and reflecting on key issues relevant to young people in today’s society. They module will also look at youth services detailing their principles, functions and reach.

This course is suitable for anyone who is,

Working in a community setting, a crèche, a family resource centre or NGO (paid or voluntary) who would like to enhance their skills.

Hoping to become more involved in their community in a child centred role.

By the end of the course successful participants will have,

Knowledge of the factors that contribute to the overall well-being of children

Be able to outline the various nutritional needs of babies and young children

An understanding of common childhood illnesses

Knowledge of appropriate policies and procedures to include record keeping as required by legislation and good practice guidelines

How will the course be delivered?The teaching methods employed will be experiential and participatory and will include group discussions, case study analysis, theoretical inputs and practical applications in a classroom setting.

Where will the course be delivered from?6 x 6 hour classes, 10am-4pm (or by arrangement to suit a group of 8 or more individuals)

Pay Fees Online

This module sets out to equip learners with the skills, knowledge and competencies required to care for older people in a variety of care settings. Its overall objectives are, to ensure leaners demonstrate a range of good work practices in the provision of individualistic, holistic elder related care. In addition learners will look at and explore around the concepts of aging and the aging process looking at the needs of older people in a variety of settings and circumstances and what is necessary for them to enhance their quality of life.

This course is suitable for anyone who is,

Working in a community setting, with older people, a family resource centre or NGO (paid or voluntary) who would like to enhance their skills.

By the end of the course successful participants will have,

An understanding of the role a health care assistant in providing care for older people

Knowledge in a range of age related issues to include healthy ageing, global and national demographic trends, the normal physiological and psychological processes of ageing, the social impact of ageing on older people and differing attitudes to ageing and older people

An insight into the needs of older people’s to include physical, social, emotional, psychological, recreational, financial, environmental and spiritual needs

How will the course be delivered?The teaching methods employed will be experiential and participatory and will include group discussions, case study analysis, theoretical inputs and practical applications in a classroom setting.

Where will the course be delivered from?6 x 6 hour classes, 10am-4pm (or by arrangement to suit a group of 8 or more individuals)

Pay Fees Online

The purpose of this module is to facilitate the development of communication skills relevant to a range of personal and vocational settings. In doing so it sets out to assist the learner to explore the use of modern information and communications technology (ICT), in personal and vocational life. The learner will develop an awareness of the essential role played by communications and relevant legislation in human interaction. The module will also help to develop the academic and vocational language, literacy and/or numeracy skills related to communications through the medium of the indicative content by looking at tone, expression, use of language/vocabulary etc.

By the end of the course successful participants will have,

Acquired communication skills relevant to vocational and personal development

An understanding of the communicative principles and practices involved in gathering and relaying information

Explored the use of modern communication and information technology, and its application in personal and vocational life looking at the media as well as written and oral forms of communication.

How will the course be delivered?The teaching methods employed will be experiential and participatory and will include group discussions, case study analysis, theoretical inputs and practical applications in a classroom setting.

Where will the course be delivered from?6 x 6 hour classes, 10am-4pm (or by arrangement to suit a group of 8 or more individuals)

Pay Fees Online

The purpose of this module is to introduce learners to a style of facilitation that is grounded in theories of participation and experiential learning, one that can be applied in a range of community settings. The module will explore theories on group work and group dynamics, looking at the cycle that takes place whilst working with groups that includes planning, implementation, evaluation and feed-back. The module will also require personal reflection through the use of a learning journal. This will give learners the opportunity to practice and critically appraise their skills in a supportive environment.

This course is suitable for anyone who is,

Working with people in a group context.

By the end of the course successful participants will have,

Distinguished between those groups which are effective and those which were not

A heightened awareness, recognising the impact of other peoples’ participation on groups

Examined the issue of leadership in groups

Evaluated the role(s) they most commonly adopt in groups

How will the course be delivered?The teaching methods employed will be experiential and participatory and will include group discussions, case study analysis, theoretical inputs and practical applications in a classroom setting.

Where will the course be delivered from?6 x 6 hour classes, 10am-4pm (or by arrangement to suit a group of 8 or more individuals)

Pay Fees Online

Respond! Housing Association is pleased to announce a repeat of its popular Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH UK) accredited Certificate in Housing Practice.

This certificate is particularly relevant for:

People who are new to housing or workers in a front line position who want to improve their general awareness of housing issues

People working in housing who wish to attain an initial qualification in housing

Tenants and residents who wish to explore housing issues to enhance their personal involvement and understanding of housing issues

People not currently working in housing but considering a front line housing position as a career option.

Programme content incudes:

An overview of the housing sector in Ireland

Examination of tenant / landlord relationships including the range of tenures available, and contemporary models of tenant participation

Understanding the history of housing policy in Ireland and analysing current policy

An introduction to housing finance

Principles of equality and diversity in relation to housing

A look at some of the skills useful in housing and community work (including conflict management and teamwork

How will the course be delivered?
The teaching methods employed will be experiential and participatory and will include group discussions, case study analysis, theoretical inputs and practical applications in a classroom setting.

Couse delivery:
6 sessions fortnightly from 10am to 4pm

Programme cost:
The Certificate in Housing Practice costs €695 per person including registration, library access and all materials.